Tonita "Toni" Montoya-Martinez

Tonita “Toni” Montoya-Martinez, 94, of Santa Fe, ascended into Heaven on Friday, November 02, 2018 cozily in her home surrounded by her loved ones in Santa Fe.

Tonita was born a twin in Santa Fe, to Juanita Rael and Filomeno Montoya, on June 26, 1924. Though June 26th is what is listed on Toni’s birth certificate, she liked celebrating her birthday on July 25. She married Louis E. Martinez immediately after his discharge from the United States Air Force. They tied the knot on June 04, 1947 at St. Anne’s Parish in front of the Lord. Education wasn’t as important to Toni as raising a family was. She worked as a stay at home mother her entire life. Raising 3 wonderful children while her husband continued a career with PNM. She devoted her time to her children who eventually had children of their own. Being the motherly figure she was, Toni stepped right up to help raise the new additions to her family. Her grandchildren eventually became her main focus, often mistaking Chris for Eric, and Eric for Chris all the way up to her last days. She continued her faith by attending Mass at Cristo Rey Church; she believed and closely followed the Lord’s guidance.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita & Filomeno Montoya; brother, Joe P. Montoya (Martha, spouse); sister, Mary Cleo Montoya; brother, Dan Montoya (Eloisa, spouse), and twin brother, Jimmie Montoya (Ida, spouse).

Toni is survived by her devoted spouse of 71 years, Louis Martinez, along with her 3 children, Dorothy Martinez, Joyce Kraul-Edward Kraul (spouse), and Marshall Martinez- Patricia Roybal (spouse). Toni was blessed with 4 beautiful grandchildren whom she adored, Chris Chavez, Marshall “Eric” Martinez, Shaila Romero-Adam Romero (spouse), and Jessica Roybal. As the grandchildren began growing up, she welcomed 5 great-grandchildren into the family, Aidan Romero, Zaydnn Gonzales, Zoie Romero, Arai Romero, and Ezra Romero. Extended family, Theresa Garcia, Pricilla Riley, Sharon Smith and all other nieces and nephews and family who were not listed. Lastly, close family friend Amy Stone.

A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. at the Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Santa Fe with Father Adam Ortega y Ortiz officiating. Burial to follow at 2:15 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Marshall Martinez, Marshall “Eric” Martinez, Chris Chavez, Jessica Roybal, Shaila Roybal, and Amy Stone.

The family of Toni wishes to extend our sincere thank you to: Rebecca the nurse that tended to Toni in her last few weeks of life. Richard the nurse from hospice who pronounced her death and

Marshall & Eric Martinez for completing the funeral arrangements. The family of Tonita “Toni” Montoya-Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.